Hervé Léger by Max Azria Barbie be released in October

After much gossip on various sites (both doll related and not) she's finally got some official confirmation: yes, the Hervé Léger Barbie doll will be near us in less than a month. She is to be released on the 15th of October! *Update: she's availabe for pre-order NOW*

Hervé Léger by Max Azria is the latest design house to dress Barbie. They are collaborating with Mattel on a limited-edition doll which will be released on the 15th of October at Hervé Léger stores, select Neiman Marcus locations and on barbiecollector.com.

Designed by Linda Kyaw from Mattel with the Hervé Léger creatives supervision, the doll is wearing a classic red bandage dress, a black corset belt from the fall 2012 collection, black gladiator boots and a gold clutch But of course the $150 doll comes with an outfit change of a black-and-white jacquard dress, open-toe booties and a studded clutch.

Barbie’s runway-inspired looks were supposedly made in the same factory that produces the real collection, and her dresses and accessories will also be available in life-size versions. “As you can imagine, the biggest challenge was the scaling down of the knit,” said chief creative officer Lubov Azria.

Doll Details:
Body Type: ModelMuse™
Arm: Right Bent, Straight Left
Skin Tone: LA Tan
Facial Sculpt: C.L. sculpt
Fashion Sewn On?: No
Eyelashes: No
Included with doll: Stand, Shoes (2 sets), Purses (2), Harness
There is a limit of 5 dolls per order.

Elle US magazine have an interview with the new Barbie - lots of Ken dish as they write! LOL!

© Hervé Léger, 2013 For the adult collector. Production doll may vary from the photo shown above. Mattel reserves the right to modify the fashion/fabrics, sculpt, hair color/style, and accessories. Doll cannot stand alone as shown.

IDEX is no more

An e-mail a while ago announced that IDEX, the great doll show, eagerly awaited by doll collectors all over the world each year, is no more. Here is what Susan Fitzgerlad, IDEX Vice President says in it:

The collectible doll and teddy bear trade show IDEX Premiere has been canceled for 2014 and will discontinue all show operations moving forward. While we have enjoyed working with the doll and teddy bear industry over the last decade, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the show and all of its related events and workshops. IDEX, a trade show dedicated to the celebration of dolls, teddy bears, toys and collectible playthings, ran without interruption for twenty-two years. Held in cities all over the country, most recently in Orlando, Florida, IDEX was for many years the premiere place to see what trends and developments were to come in the industry, meet and mingle with fellow collectors, and learn crafting skills at a myriad of workshops. While we are sad to see IDEX come to an end, we have a wealth of great memories and personal friendships that will stay with us for a lifetime. In closing, we would like to thank all of the artists, exhibitors, manufacturers, buyers and collectors who made IDEX a vibrant and exciting environment for more than two decades. We wish you all the best.

Sincerely,
Susan Fitzgerald
Vice President, IDEX

This is sad news for the doll industry. I am guessing that the reasons are financial but who knows?

Integrity Toys releases a mini Dynamite Girls collection for Halloween

Integrity Toys released a mini DG collection with a Halloween theme and yes, there's a new Spooky Sooki doll in it. The collection comprises of three dolls, one (Spooky Sooki) available only from IT Direct until supplies last and the other two (a girl and a boy) available through Integrity dealers. Let's see the dolls:

Item #66090
Spooky Sooki: The Return
Dynamite Girl™ Dressed Doll
2013 IT Direct Exclusive
Limited Edition of 1000 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $65.00
Available for Pre-order Directly from IT Direct
Approximate Ship Date: Late September 2013

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: DG (12 inch)
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Japan
Hair Color: Raven
Eyelashes: Yes, Rooted
Package Dimensions: 6" X 15" X 2.5"

A classic Dynamite Girl character returns to haunt the night again. Spooky Sooki: The Return is an IT Direct exclusive and cannot be purchased anywhere else but in the Integrity Toys shopping cart (while supplies last)! She is wearing a white shirt-dress in Gothic inspired style, over a black patterned hose and black boots, with a matching bag shaped like a small coffin. For adult collectors ages 14 and up. Doll stand included.

Item #66091
Handsome Devil
Damon™ Fashion Figure
The Dynamite Girls™ Collection
Limited Edition of 800 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $65.00
Approximate Ship Date: Late September 2013
Available from All Integrity Toys Authorized Dealers

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: FR: Homme (12.5 inches)
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone: Latino
Hair Color: Raven with Fire Red Streaks
Eyelashes: No
Package Dimensions: 6" X 15" X 2.5"

Hmm the name is new but the sculpt is one that DG boys have used before. He is dressed in red/black, from the jacket and pants to the striped shirt to his red-streaked raven hair. Gorgeous high boots.  Please note that the horns are removable. If he had a new sculpt I would have considered ordering him. For adult collectors ages 14 and up. Doll stand included. 

Item #66092
Dead In Her Tracks
Dani™ Dressed Doll
The Dynamite Girls™ Collection
Limited Edition of 800 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: $65.00
Approximate Ship Date: Late September 2013
Available from All Integrity Toys Authorized Dealers

Doll Tech Specs:
Body Type: DG (12 inch)
Quick Switch Feature: No
Skin Tone Japan
Hair Color: Snow White with Ice Blue Streaks
Eyelashes: Yes, Rooted
Package Dimensions 6" X 15" X 2.5"

Dani wears a white dress with a pattern that looks like tyre tracks! It also looks like it has an underskirt. This doll comes with a chain necklace that is not shown in the photos below. She also has a corsage and gloves. For adult collectors ages 14 and up. Doll stand included.

**Please note that the photos are of a prototype doll and accessories. The final product is subject to changes and modifications. All info and photos contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2013 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.**

Tonner 2013 Fall-Holiday preview - Tiny Kitty Collier

Nothing better than returning from holidays and finding out a preview of Tonner's Fall/Holiday release waiting in your e-mail! Many of the dolls included are not strictly fashion dolls, so I picked some and will post them in this and other posts for you to see. This post is dedicated to the return of the 10" fashion doll, Tiny Kitty Collier, a doll with many fans that eagerly awaited her return.

Basic Necessities Kitty
T13KTBD01
LE 500
$79.99
Shipping 9/6

This is a Basic doll. She has the Tiny Kitty head sculpt on a 10" Tiny Kitty bending wrist body in the Bisque skin tone, with blue painted eyes and pale blonde removable wigged saran hair. She is wearing white stretch lace bodysuit with flower decoration and ribbon bows and a nude pantyhose. Accessories include faux pearl earrings andwhite elastic strap shoes with pink flower decoration. She comes with a stand and is a Limited Edition of 500.

Garden Club Luncheon
T13KTDD01
LE 500
$139.99
Shipping 9/30

This is a dressed doll with the Tiny Kitty head sculpt on a 10" Tiny Kitty bending wrist body in bisque skin tone, with grey/blue painted eyes and black rooted saran hair. She is wearing a black cotton velvet dress with pink faux flowers, pink gloves, nude pantyhose, pink rhinestone earrings, matching pink rhinestone bracelet, a pair of black elastic strap shoes with rhinestone decoration and, topping it all off, a pink organza and tulle hat with faux flowers. She comes with her stand and is a Limited Edition of 500.

Pink Champagne Supper
T13KTDD02
LE 500
$139.99
Shipping TBA

Another dressed doll. She has the Tiny Kitty head sculpt 10" on a Tiny Kitty bending wrist body in Bisque skin tone, with brown painted eyes and Classic red rooted saran hair. She comes dressed in a salmon shantung dress with faux flowers and a peach cotton net underskirt. Her accessories include peach cotton knit stretch gloves, a faux pearl bracelet and matching necklace, a pair of  faux pearl earrings, nude pantyhose with attached panties and matching elastic shoes. She has her own stand and is a Limited Edition of 500.

Dinner Dance
T13KTDD03
LE 500
$139.99
Shipping TBA

Third dressed doll. She has the Bisque skin tonem with brown painted eyes and chestnut rooted saran hair. She wears a silver lamé dress under her silver satin coat with matching silver satin scarf with rhinestone pin. Rhinestone earrings, pantyhose with attached panties and a pair of silver elastic strap shoes complete her look. She has a stand and is a Limited Edition of 500.

Perfect Summer Day Outfit
T13KTOF01
LE 300
$79.99
Shipping TBA

This is an outfit that fits the 10" Tiny Kitty Bending wrist body (no doll included). It is a blue and white silk stripe dress with white cotton lace trim and blue satin belt with faux flower. It comes with white gloves, white cotton petticoat with cotton lace trim, white cotton lace hat and white elastic strap shoes. It is a Limited Edition of 300.

I Danced All Night - Outfit
T13KTOF02
LE 300
$89.99
Shipping TBA

Another outfit for Tiny Kitty. This is a green shantung dress with a green glitter tulle underskirt and blue lining. It has blue gloves, a rhinestone necklace and rhinestone bracelet and comes with a pair of green elastic strap shoes. No doll included. It is a Limited Edition of 300.

Wine and Roses - Outfit
T13KTOF03
LE 300
$79.99
Shipping TBA

And last, but not least, a third outfit for Tiny Kitty. This is a burgundy taffeta dress with a faux flower decoration on the bodice, topped with a burgundy bolero. It has a white cotton petticoat with cotton lace trim. It is topped with a black hat with faux flowers and bow decoration. Accessories include a faux pearl necklace, a pair of faux pearl earrings and matching elastic strap shoes. It is a Limited Edition of 300. No doll included.

It looks like Tiny Kitty is back with a vengeance! I bet the fans will be really happy with this collection, dolls and many outfits to choose from! I think they should have included some bags to complete the looks though. The prices are on the same level with much more detailed and intricate 12" dolls so that might be a problem too.

More new Barbies released: from Blond Gold to Fantasy Oz

Three more fashion Barbies released in August by Mattel: Two are fashion designer specials and the third is a fashion fantasy interpretation of a beloved film classic. All available at the Barbie Collector website as direct exclusives.

The Blonds Blond Gold Barbie® Doll

The Blonds strike again. After their successful previous collaboration with Mattel, here is their new doll. She is wearing the outfit they designed for Kylie Minogue for the video clip of the song "Get Outta My Way" back in 2010, although the doll is not in her likeness. If she was, I might be tempted.

Let's see how Mattel describes the doll (which is quite pricey, at $150, a Gold Label release):

Inspired by Barbie®, imagined by The Blonds, the Blond Gold™ Barbie® doll glows in fashion riches. Incredible chain detail adorns her golden corset and metallic-woven cape and inspires her long earrings and golden armbands. Her unique doll stand is inspired by bars of bullion and creates the perfect pedestal for this golden diva.

Doll Details Body Type: ModelMuse™ Arms: New Left and Right Skin Tone: Tropic Tan Facial Sculpt: Lara Fashion Sewn On?: No Eyelashes: yes Included with doll: Stand, corset, shoes, arm cuffs, earrings, claw ring, cape. There is a limit of 5 dolls per order. 

© 2013 The Blonds LLC. All Rights Reserved. Direct Exclusives are currently available in the U.S. only from The Barbie™ Collection catalog or at TheBarbieCollection.com. For the adult collector. Production doll may vary from the photo shown above. Mattel reserves the right to modify the fashion/fabrics, sculpt, hair color/style, and accessories. Doll cannot stand alone as shown.

Stephen Burrows Alazne™ Barbie® Doll

Mattel has replaced Byron Lars with Stephen Burrows in designing African-inspired fashion dolls for them. The doll looks nice but the sequins on the dress are way off scale and it ruins the whole effect. Again it is a Gold Label doll with a high enough price tag, which for me, is not justified from what I can see.

This is the Mattel description of the doll:

So beautiful and glorious, her name is the Basque word for “miracle.” Stephen Burrows Alazne™ Barbie® doll wears a breathtaking floor-length coral gown adorned in countless, shimmering paillettes. The striking collar and fingerless opera gloves create an elegant, yet modern look. A towering headpiece and golden hoop earrings frame her gorgeous face.

Doll Details Body Type: ModelMuse™ Arms: Right bent, Left straight Skin Tone: Afra Facial Sculpt: Stephen Burrows Fashion Sewn On?: No Eyelashes: No Included with doll: Stand, pumps, headdress, earrings. There is a limit of 5 dolls per order.

Stephen Burrows™ is a protected trademark and is used hereby under license by Mattel, Inc. For the adult collector. Production doll may vary from the photo shown above. Mattel reserves the right to modify the fashion/fabrics, sculpt, hair color/style, and accessories. Doll cannot stand alone as shown.

The Wizard of OZ™ Fantasy Glamour Dorothy Doll

This one would have been fun if the dress was not so Cinderella-like (the wonders Isaac Mizrahi could have done with gingham for a gown!). The ruby slippers look enticing, even though they are surely plastic. But at this price? No way. Not for this kind of non-articulated, bland faced doll.

Mattel's description (again she is a Gold Label and priced at $100).\

The Wizard of Oz™ Fantasy Glamour Dorothy doll wears a strapless gown reinterpreted from her classic blue-and-white gingham dress. The frothy tulle over-skirt is trimmed in satin ribbon and sparkly sequins. The bows from her braids are now drop earrings, while the famed ruby slippers are re-imagined as striking red stilettos. Also included is a silvery clutch and bracelet.

Doll Details Body Type: ModelMuse™ Arms: Left bent, Right straight Skin Tone: Nostalgic Facial Sculpt: Lara Fashion Sewn On?: No Eyelashes: Painted Included with doll: Stand, shoes, earrings, clutch, charm bracelet. There is a limit of 5 dolls per order.

© Turner Entertainment Company. Direct Exclusives are currently available in the U.S. only from The Barbie™ Collection catalog or at TheBarbieCollection.com. For the adult collector. Production doll may vary from the photo shown above. Mattel reserves the right to modify the fashion/fabrics, sculpt, hair color/style, and accessories. Doll cannot stand alone as shown.